Worldwide Revenues by Brand (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									$ 7,052,603	$ 6,841,087	$ 6,386,610
Sales adjustments									(631,722)	(575,050)	(530,415)
Net Sales	2,255,905	2,077,816	1,158,711	928,449	2,153,754	1,998,760	1,161,667	951,856	6,420,881	6,266,037	5,856,195
Mattel Girls And Boys Brands
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									4,186,550	4,120,564	3,630,159
Fisher-Price Brands
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									2,252,339	2,159,178	2,220,499
American Girl Brands
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									567,521	510,936	486,644
Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									$ 46,193	$ 50,409	$ 49,308